Ohio Governor John Kasich recently proposed investing $346 million to advance water and land conservation efforts in the state, a move that has drawn praise from conservation and environmental groups.
Kasich’s proposal would prioritize funding for preservation of farmland and open spaces, improvement of the state’s parks and trails system and Lake Erie cleanup efforts.
The centerpiece of the conservation plan is allocation of $100 million to the Clean Ohio Fund, a pool of state bonds that provide matching funds for qualified projects.
The Healthy Lake Erie Initiative, which was established in 2012 to reduce algae blooms and divert contaminated harbor dredges from open lake disposal, would receive $10 million in funding under the conservation plan.
“We appreciate and support the governor’s ongoing commitment to the Clean Ohio Fund, which is recognized nationally as a successful, effective public-private partnership,” Nature Conservancy in Ohio Executive Director Josh Knights said. “And, the continued investment in the Healthy Lake Erie Initiative enhances and leverages existing efforts among many stakeholders to improve the lake’s water quality,”
The conservation plan also calls for $12.5 million for the bicycle and recreation trail construction and $12.5 million for preservation of family farmland.
“Like most Ohioans, Gov. Kasich recognizes that conserving natural resources and providing high-quality recreation opportunities contributes greatly to our quality of life,” Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Executive Director Woody Woodward said. “We are incredibly grateful for the Governor’s commitment to invest in the future of Ohio by investing in these important resources.”
Western Reserve Land Conservancy President and CEO Rich Cochran said the conservation plan was a “huge step” for conservation in Ohio and recognition of the importance of preserving the state’s natural resources.